What to Know Before You Buy Artisan Keycaps
Looking to upgrade your keyboard style? Here’s what to know before you buy artisan keycaps—and where to buy artisan keycaps you can trust.
Artisan keycaps are more than just functional keyboard components—they’re tiny works of art that reflect your personality and passion. Whether you’re shopping for anime-inspired caps, minimalist aesthetics, or cosmic landscapes, it’s important to understand what you’re buying. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of buying artisan keycaps and show you where to buy artisan keycaps that match your style, fit your board, and meet your quality expectations.
1. Understand What Artisan Keycaps Are
Artisan keycaps are custom-made keyboard caps, typically crafted in resin, clay, or metal, and made in limited batches. They are designed to stand out on your keyboard—whether on your Escape, Enter, or any other special key. These are not mass-produced plastic caps—they’re sculptures, statements, and collectibles.
2. Know Your Switch Compatibility
Most artisan keycaps are made for Cherry MX stems and their clones (Gateron, Kailh, etc.). Before you buy, confirm your switches use the “+” stem that these caps are designed for. If you use Topre, Alps, or optical switches, you’ll need special artisan caps or adapters.
✅ Pro Tip: All MCraftin artisan keycaps are designed for Cherry MX–style switches.
3. Choose the Right Keycap Profile
Keycap profile refers to the shape and height of the cap. The most common profiles used in artisan keycaps include:
- OEM – Standard profile; commonly used and widely compatible
- Cherry – Slightly shorter than OEM, with smoother sculpting
- SA – Tall and spherical; bold and vintage-looking
- DSA/XDA – Flat or uniform across rows; great for a clean aesthetic
🎯 Always match your artisan keycap to the profile of your current keycap set if you want a seamless visual flow.
4. Pick the Right Key Location
Most artisan keycaps are designed for specific keys, like:
- Escape (Esc)
- Enter (Return)
- Spacebar
- Function or Arrow keys
- Rotational knobs (for volume or macros)
Use artisan keycaps on high-visibility, low-traffic keys for the best mix of aesthetics and durability.
5. Materials Matter
- Resin: The most common material. Durable, glossy, and ideal for detailed miniature designs.
- Polymer Clay: Used for sculpted figures like animals or characters. More delicate but offers intricate textures.
- Metal: Heavy, long-lasting, and sleek—but check compatibility and weight tolerance for your switch.
MCraftin uses high-quality UV-resistant resin for vibrant, bubble-free designs that last.
6. Consider Artisan Keycap Themes
Before you buy, explore a theme that suits your desk or personal aesthetic. At MCraftin, popular themes include:
🌀 Anime & Manga – Naruto, Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Gundam
🌊 Nature & Landscape – Ocean, Forest, Cityscape, Outer Space
🎮 Games & Movies – Marvel, DC, League of Legends, DOTA 2
🎉 Seasonal – Halloween, Christmas, Independence Day
🛠 Specialty – Custom spacebars, knobs, and number kits
Browse our full theme catalog to find your perfect match.
7. Beware of Fakes and Low-Quality Copies
With artisan keycaps growing in popularity, there are many imitations flooding marketplaces. Only buy from verified stores and artists. MCraftin offers original, handcrafted keycaps, not mass-produced knockoffs.
✅ Check for seller reviews, social media presence, and return policies.
8. Pricing Expectations
Expect to pay between $20 to $60 per keycap, depending on materials, detail, and rarity. Limited drops, hand-painted finishes, and collaborative designs may go higher.
💡 Bundled sets from MCraftin are often more cost-effective than buying single caps.
9. Limited Runs & Group Buys
Many artisans release new designs via limited runs or group buys, where production only starts after a buying window ends. These typically offer better pricing but may take 4–12 weeks to deliver. MCraftin offers both in-stock and pre-order options to suit your preference.
10. Where to Buy Artisan Keycaps
Now that you know what to look for, here’s where to buy artisan keycaps confidently:
🛒 MCraftin
- Handmade artisan keycaps by theme
- Cherry MX compatible
- In-stock & custom commissions
- US-based, fast domestic shipping
Other options include:
- Etsy (only buy from rated sellers)
- Drop.com (group buys, longer wait)
- Reddit /r/mechmarket (secondhand, rare caps—buyer beware)
- NovelKeys (in-stock artisan runs, mostly OEM profile)
Final Thoughts
Buying artisan keycaps is a fun and rewarding way to enhance your typing experience, elevate your workspace, and express your personality. But before you make that first purchase, understanding profiles, materials, themes, and vendors is key to finding the right fit.
